Food Allergy

Is this your child's symptom?

Oral Allergy Syndrome is also covered. The main symptom is mouth itching and swelling. The main triggers are raw fruits and veggies.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Hives all over and swelling of the face are the most common symptoms. Hives are raised pink bumps with pale centers (welts). They look like bug bites.

Mouth itching and swelling

Runny nose and coughing

Vomiting and diarrhea

Life-threatening allergic reactions also must have trouble breathing and/or swallowing. The medical name for this is anaphylaxis. Most of these reactions have a sudden onset within 10 to 20 minutes. All occur within 2 hours of eating a certain food. People who have had this carry an emergency kit like an Epi-Pen.

Causes of Food Allergies

8 foods cause 90% of food allergies

In the first year of life: cow's milk, soy milk and egg

Older children: peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and wheat

Shellfish include shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, oysters and scallops

Tree nuts include all the nuts (such as almonds and cashews) except peanuts.

Of children with a proven food allergy, 40% have severe reactions. The other 60% have mild reactions.

Peanuts and tree nuts are the most common triggers for severe reactions.